Hawaii is perfect for multigenerational holidays

Zac de Silva explores just why Hawaii is a haven for multigenerational holidays.

Ohana means family and whether it’s surf, culture, outdoor adventures or shopping, Hawaii has something to offer every member of yours. It’s because of this Australian families are flocking to this slice of Pacific paradise in greater numbers than ever, with grandparents, grandkids, aunts and uncles in tow. Each of Hawaii’s four main islands makes a perfect destination for all generations, with a mix of adventure and relaxation that will satisfy even the pickiest of extended families.

Oahu

While those looking to live the high life will go straight to the shopping and nightlife havens of Waikiki and Honolulu, Oahu’s North Shore is the perfect family destination. A quick 90-minute drive from Waikiki gets you to the world’s surf capital, where powerful waves pound palm-lined beaches. But it’s not all sun and surf, and the less water-inclined have a plethora of options. Nature lovers can experience Waimea Valley’s botanical gardens and nearly 14-metre-tall Waihi Falls. The family foodies aren’t left out either; the North Shore’s ubiquitous food trucks serve all manner of tasty treats, from seafood to salsa.

Maui

For the water lovers, it’s tough to beat Maui. A couple of kilometres off Maui’s sandy beaches is Molokini Crater, Hawaii’s only island marine sanctuary. The adventure begins as soon as you board the boat in Maalaea Harbor, and depending on the time of year, dolphin, whale and sea turtle sightings are common as you motor out to the caldera. Once you arrive, jump in with a snorkel at Reef’s End, where you can take in intricate cauliflower corals, green sea turtles and giant trevally. Back on the mainland, stand-up paddleboarding on the crystal-clear waters of Kaanapali Beach and Honolua Bay will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

The Island of Hawaii

The largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, the “Big Island” is your one-stop shop for all things adventure. With the Big Island playing host to no less than five volcanoes, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-do: here you can see Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The Crater Rim Drive takes in all the park’s major attractions, or for the more athletic, hikes range from less than an hour to a full day. Fifty minutes’ drive from the national park is Hilo, where the adventurers of the family can experience KapohoKine’s Zipline Through Paradise, soaring over three kilometres of lush river gorges. The Big Island isn’t all adrenaline, though; coffee addicts have the chance to savour 100 per cent pure Kona coffee straight from the farms in North and South Kona, and history buffs can embrace any number of important historical sites.

Kauai

As Hawaii’s greenest island, Kauai is one for nature and film lovers alike. From the precipitous sea cliffs of the Napali Coast to Waimea Canyon’s  vast river gorges, Kauai’s landscape is one of the Pacific’s most dramatic. Because of this, more than 60 feature films have been shot on the island, and you’ll have the chance to tour the shoot locations of film franchises including Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park. An ATV tour at Kipu Ranch allows the whole family to get up close and personal with both film sets and the island’s dramatic and varied landscapes.

This article originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.

Planning a holiday to Hawaii? You can read our complete family-friendly travel guide to Hawaii here.